The Twin Falls Fire Department was dispatched a report of a fire at the Radio Rondevooo Event Center at 241 Main Ave. West at about 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 12. When firefighters arrived on the scene they found smoke coming from the building and the inside fully engulfed in flames.
Additional engine companies and agencies from across Magic Valley were called in to assist Twin Falls Fire in knocking down the blaze. More than 50 firefighters, four ladder trucks from Twin Falls, Buhl, Rock Creek, and Jerome Fire Departments, four engines, Magic Valley Paramedics, as well as numerous support vehicles worked to knock down the fire at about 11 a.m. The quick response prevented the fire from spreading to adjacent buildings, which suffered minor damage from water and smoke.
Residents and guests at the Old Towne Lodge on Second Avenue West, which is located across the ally from the Radio Rondevoo, were evacuated due to concerns that the fire might spread to the residences. Most guests were able to return to their rooms before noon, but some will be relocated to temporary shelters due to smoke and heat damage. The Twin Falls County Office on Emergency Management is assisting those residents who have been displaced by the fire.
Second Avenue West between Eden and Shoshone Avenue were closed until about noon so firefighter could tap into fire hydrants on the other side of the road.
The fire is under investigation and the cause of the fire is not yet known. More information will be released as it becomes available.